The game takes place chronologically after Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007), but in spite of the title, it is a spin-off of the Metroid Prime series. There are some familiar elements such as the Space Pirates and Metroids, but it is primarily a mission-based first-person shooter in which the player assumes the role of a Galactic Federation marine. Series protagonist Samus Aran makes a couple of appearances in the game, but is not a playable character.